The recent arctic outbreak across the eastern half of the country is bringing dangerously cold temperatures and harsh wind chills to millions of Americans. As the first arctic outbreak of the season settles in, temperatures are expected to plummet, with wind chills reaching as low as 15-30 degrees below zero in the northern Plains and Upper Midwest.
Following the Thanksgiving Day winter storm, arctic air from Canada is spilling into the region, causing temperatures to drop significantly. Over 200 million Americans are projected to experience below-average temperatures, with wind chills well below zero in many areas.
In the Dakotas and Minnesota, temperatures could dip to between -30 and -40 degrees when factoring in the wind chill, posing a risk of hypothermia and frostbite for those exposed to the extreme cold. Travelers in these regions are advised to have a winter survival kit on hand to prepare for the frigid conditions.
As the arctic front moves through the Midwest, temperatures are expected to plummet, with lows potentially falling into the teens and wind chills nearing -10°F. This cold snap may bring the coldest air of the season so far for many areas, with the chilliest days forecasted for Sunday and Monday.
While the Great Lakes region is currently experiencing record-warm water temperatures, the incoming arctic air is set to trigger a long-duration lake-effect snowstorm, starting Friday and lasting into next week. Nearly 1.5 million people are under a Lake-Effect Snow Warning across parts of western New York, far northwestern Pennsylvania, and northeastern Ohio, as Lake Erie and Lake Ontario generate significant snowfall.
The National Weather Service is warning of travel disruptions in the affected areas, particularly along Interstate 90 between Cleveland and Buffalo and on Interstate 81 north of Syracuse, New York. The snowfall is expected to persist through at least Monday, with snow accumulations creating hazardous driving conditions.
As the arctic outbreak continues to grip the nation, residents are urged to take precautions to stay safe and warm during this period of dangerously cold temperatures. Be sure to bundle up, limit time spent outdoors, and check on vulnerable populations to ensure their well-being during this extreme weather event.
